Dublin and Belfast - Ireland's Two Capitals
The Capital City of of the Republic of Ireland is Dublin. It is situated in the Heart of Ireland's Ancient East. The area is littered with exceptional sightseeing options of both historic and cultural significance. There is a lso a great chopicce when it comes to hotels, bars and restaurants.
Belfast is the Capital of Northern Ireland. A lifely city that also has a great bar and restaurant culture it has a dark but fascinating past the makes for a superb experience. The North Antrim Coastline is a must visit when visiting this part of the world where you will get to stand on the shoulders of Giants at the "Giants Causeway". The sample itinerary below is fully customisable.
Day 1
Arrival Day
Arrive in Dublin airport and be greeted by a Lyons Links Guide. Transfer to your city center hotel. Take a walking tour of Dublin City in the afternoon, taking in Chirstchurch, The Old City Walls and a couple of surprises along the way. Get your week off to a great start with a visit to Jameson Distillery for a tour and tasting before returning to your hotel for a good nights sleep after a busy first day in "Dublin's Fair City".
Day 2
Malahide and Howth
After breakfast transfer to charming sea-side suburb of Malahide. Enjoy a cofee and one of the trendy cafes before Malhide Castle and Gardens. On the grounds of the castle you will find "Avoca" which is a gift store, food market and cafe. The local produce is exceptional especially the throws and clothing woven in their Wicklow Mill. After lunch, visit the idyllic village of Howth and explore Dublin's spectacular cliff top coastline.
Day 3
Gaol and Guinness
Dublin City is full of sights of hitorical significance and sites that remain significant to this day. A tour of Kilmainham Gaol takes visitors on a guided tour which explores the somber cells, halls and yards where key political figures of Irelands Easter Rising were held and executed. Around the corner is the Guinness Store Hoise which for obvious reasons is also very significant to today's Ireland as much as the past.
Day 4
Trinity & Grafton St.
Visit Trinity College in the heart of Dublin. Created by Royal Charter in 1592, Trinity is the most prestigious University in Ireland. It is home to the "Book of Kells" which is an illuminated manuscript and Celtic gospel book in latin depicting the four gospels of the New Testament. It is a priceless artefact and a National Treasure. After viewing the book, take a stroll up Grafton Street for shopping before departin Dublin tomorrow.
Day 5
Transfer North
Checkout of your Dublin City Center Hotel before transfering to Northern Ireland. On route to Belfast stop of the "Bru na Boinne", which are three prehistoric sites of the Boyne Valley. This is Europes most important concentration of prehistoric art. The site at Newgrange pre-dates the Egyptian Pyramids - a must visit on any tour of Ireland. On arrival in Belfast check in to your city center hotel.
Day 6
Titanic and Taxi
While Belfast is a vibrant city with a great bar and restaurant culture, there is no denying two of its most popular tourist attractions are "dark tourism" phenomena. The Titanic exhibition is a must visit for any Titanic enthusiast. Take a self guided tour with 9 interactive galleries. The Black Taxi tour is a guided tour of the some of the most notorious attrocity sites associated with "the troubles" in Northern Ireland
Day 7
Giants Causeway
Another "must-visit" when visiting Northern Ireland. Situated on the North Antrim Coast, it consists of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. It's a geological phenomenan that is a sight to behold. It also has a special place in Irish folklore. Carrick-a-rede rope bridge and Balintoy Harbour (Game of Thrones location) can aslo be visitied on the day trip from Belfast
Day 8
Departure Day
Enjoy a cooked or continental breakfast at your hotel before transferring to your airport of choice. Departing from Dublin airport is particularly convenient for our North American clients as guests can "pre-clear" customs in both these airports, thereby ensuring ease of passage when you touch down home. We are pretty sure you will bring home memories that will stay with you forever! Remember, this entire itinerary is fully customisable